A key bridge in Arkengarthdale has reopened following a £2.2 million repair scheme, with locals praising the structure as looking “better than the original.”
Fore Gill Bridge partially collapsed on New Year’s Eve 2023 after heavy rain from Storm Gerrit exposed hidden masonry arches, leaving the route impassable for motorists. A temporary repair in January 2024 stabilised the road while plans for a permanent rebuild were drawn up.
Work on the new bridge began in April, with engineers installing geosynthetic soil-reinforced walls and a new masonry arch to support a wider road and higher load capacity. Around 1,500 tonnes of stone from the original structure were carefully reused to maintain the traditional appearance of Yorkshire Dales bridges.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, said:
“As the country’s largest county, we have a vast road network, 74 per cent of which is rural, and there are hundreds of historic bridges that need maintaining. The repair scheme of Fore Gill Bridge is a great example of our staff and contractors pulling together to work quickly in acting to prevent a lengthy closure, and designing the repairs needed. We have been fortunate this year with mild, dry weather, to be on site for long periods of time. It’s vital to secure the long-term future of this vital rural route.”
Local resident Ron Woolford, who lives closest to the bridge, added:
“When the bridge fell, we thought an earthquake had happened during the night, and it was no surprise when we saw the scale of the damage. I’ve been so impressed with the council’s staff and contractors who have kept me and other residents in the loop as to what is going on. They have been hard workers doing what is a very difficult job, and I think the bridge looks better than the original. They worked long days and there was no great disruption, particularly with the diversion in place. My wife has made the workers tea and cake, which they were very grateful for.”
Cllr Yvonne Peacock, who represents the Upper Dales division, said:
“The rural nature of the Yorkshire Dales means that we regularly experience extreme weather, testing all elements of our roads network. There are several stone-built bridges in the area, many of which date back hundreds of years. The collapse at Fore Gill Bridge could have been very disruptive, but the effort of the bridges team deserves recognition. The community was relieved the temporary road was built before the bridge was demolished, as it meant that the works could be completed without causing traffic disruption.”
Originally built around 1770 as part of the Reeth to Tan Hill turnpike, Fore Gill Bridge provides an essential connection between Swaledale and Arkengarthdale. The reopening marks a milestone in preserving the heritage of the area while ensuring modern safety and accessibility for residents and visitors.
